No smooth ride

My tenure here is drawing to a close and I would like to make an observation which I hope would result in the players involved in improving themselves.

A major road paving exercise is being undertaken on the island at present. While this is good for the motoring public, the quality of workmanship leaves a lot to be desired.

I do believe that someone from the civil engineering association (if there is such) should have discussions with those involved with the project. Surely, these contractors can do better.

The public deserves such. It is shocking to be driving on new surfaces that are uneven. Apparently, the uneven surfaces are done on purpose, to prepare folks for travel on the ferry.

It is shocking how many times these contractors have been doing the same work, and they can’t even blend edges smoothly.

I remember working in Dominica several years ago, and the road from Melville Hall Airport to Roseau was being repaved.

A firm from Trinidad was awarded a portion from the Airport, and a firm from Barbados was awarded the other segment from Roseau. Both firms were to meet at some point midway on the route.

The quality of workmanship from the Trinidad firm was so poor, that the contract was taken from the firm and awarded to the other company. Sad to say neither that company, nor other locals seem to have benefited positively from this experience.

At present, you only have to send someone from the Bureau of Standards or Caricom to the island of St Lucia, to observe road paving being done by a French company.

The roads are what you would expect of a professional company. No uneven surfaces, smoothly blended joints etc.

Come on Trinidad, awake and demand value for money. I trust that the quality of workmanship by the road process is not a testament to the quality of civil engineering services in general here in this country.

Surely, as professionals, we can do much better. With pride.

GRAHAM CARTER

Mayaro